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Autonomy in the face of a devastating diagnosis

M Spriggs1

  • 1Centre for Human bioethics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

Journal of Medical Ethics
|May 29, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Literary accounts offer profound insights into traumatic events, revealing how autonomy remains possible even when life plans are shattered. This challenges traditional views and calls for a clinical theory of autonomy adaptable to severe adversity.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Personal testimonials often fall short in conveying the profound impact of devastating diagnoses.
  • Existing theories of autonomy struggle to account for autonomous action amidst sudden, life-altering circumstances.
  • Literary narratives provide unique, vivid insights into patient experiences of trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how literary accounts of traumatic events can inform our understanding of patient autonomy.
  • To challenge conventional assumptions about autonomy in the face of severe adversity and unexpected life changes.
  • To advocate for a revised theory of autonomy applicable in clinical settings dealing with trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of literary works, particularly those depicting concentration camp and labor camp experiences.
Keywords:
Cancer Ward (Solzhenitsyn, A.)Death and EuthanasiaMan's Search for Meaning (Frankl, V.)One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (Solzhenitsyn, A.)Professional Patient Relationship

Related Experiment Videos

  • Examination of how these narratives illuminate the nature of autonomy under extreme duress.
  • Comparative analysis with common philosophical and clinical conceptions of autonomy.

    • Main Results:

    • Literary examples demonstrate that autonomy can be maintained even when fundamental life assumptions are lost.
    • These narratives offer a more nuanced understanding of patient experiences than personal accounts.
    • Traumatic events, as depicted in literature, do not necessarily negate the possibility of autonomous action.

    Conclusions:

    • A robust theory of autonomy must accommodate experiences of severe trauma and unexpected life alterations.
    • Literature serves as a valuable resource for understanding patient autonomy in challenging clinical contexts.
    • Rethinking autonomy is crucial for effective patient care when confronting devastating diagnoses and life-altering events.